2010-02-21 Grace

Grace. We hear the term in church often; most of us know a definition for it and understand the context of the word, but do you ever stop and really think about God’s grace? Grace is the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. Nothing we do can earn salvation, nor do we deserve it, but through God’s grace it is freely given; all we must do is understand and accept that it is only through God’s mercy, through the blood of Christ, that we can be saved. We cannot save ourselves. Without God’s grace, we are destined to suffer apart from our creator, but through the selfless sacrifice of Christ, we are saved.

Ephesians 1:3-8 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

Through God’s grace, we are forgiven; what a joy this is! However, God has also granted us free will through His love for us. Anything less than free will would put a stipulation on God’s love, which is not possible because God’s love is endless and unconditional. Therefore it is up to us to receive His grace. Have you accepted the greatest gift – the gift of boundless love and forgiveness, the opportunity to spend eternity with Christ in paradise? If not, will you ask Christ to come into your life and forgive you of your sins? Give thanks to God for His grace and boundless love.

Josh